FAI Backs Resolution Calling for European Football Ban on Israeli Teams
Ireland's football governing body has voted in favor to submit a official proposal to European football's governing body, calling for the exclusion of Israel from continental team and national competitions.
Basis of the Recommended Ban
This motion, which was put forward by Dublin club Bohemians, highlighted claimed breaches by the IFA of a couple of important Uefa statutes.
- Inability to apply and uphold an effective policy against racism.
- Organisation of clubs in occupied Palestinian territories lacking the approval of the Palestrian FA.
Ballot Results and Future Actions
According to an official statement from the FAI, the resolution was backed by 74 votes, with 7 opposed and two abstentions.
The association plans to officially present this motion to the Uefa executive committee, seeking the prompt ban of the IFA from Uefa competitions.
In an extraordinary general meeting of the FAI, an ordinary resolution was posed to delegates. It was approved by a majority.
Earlier Uefa Considerations
The European body had earlier paused intentions to ban Israeli football at the close of last month, following the revealing of a US peace proposal for the area.
While they never officially confirmed contemplating an special session on the issue, plans were believed to be quite advanced.
International Context
The FAI move follows similar calls in last autumn from the leaders of Turkish and Norwegian football associations for banning Israel from global football.
These appeals were issued after United Nations experts asked world and European football bodies to ban Israel, referencing a UN commission of inquiry report that accused Israel of acts of genocide during the war in Gaza.
Israel has denied these claims and labeled the findings as outrageous.
Potential Consequences
Should Uefa decide to ban Israel, it would likely strain relations with the United States government – co-hosts for the upcoming World Cup – which is firmly against such an measure.
Although Uefa has the power to suspend Israeli teams from its tournaments, it might not be able to prevent them from taking part in World Cup qualifiers, which is governed by Fifa.